‘Predator’ is jailed for grooming boy
A Maidstone man has been jailed for sexual activity with a schoolboy he groomed online and later met at a train station.
Theo Black, of Hart Street, was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment on Wednesday for engaging in sexual activity with a child and possession of indecent images.
In September 2014, the 14-yearold victim encountered Black on a social networking app.
The boy agreed to meet 26-yearold Black at a southeast London station. When the victim arrived, Black took him to an address in Beckenham.
The victim told Black that he was 14, but, despite this, Black initiated and engaged in sexual activity with the child.
The incident was reported to police and Black was arrested in February last year.
When Black’s electronic devices were examined by specialist officers they revealed evidence of indecent images and film clips of children aged between eight and 14 engaging in sexual activity.
Black was charged in October with sexual activity with a child under 16 and possession of indecent images of children.
Before the start of the trial, Black pleaded guilty to one count of being in possession of indecent images.
Black was found guilty of sexual activity with a child under 16 when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
Det Con Tracey Blair, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “It has been shown that Theo Black has an unhealthy, sexual interest in children. He has pleaded guilty of being in possession of a number of indecent images and videos of children and engaging in sexual activity. In spite of the evidence against him, Black pleaded not guilty to the sexual activity, forcing the young victim in this case to give evidence at trial.
“I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim and witnesses in this case for coming forward to give evidence against this predator.”